Discussion
An effective project schedule has the following characteristics. First, a project plan has a scope-this involves the work to be done in the project. Stakeholders in the project set goals and tasks, and implements set of processes. Second is resource- a project schedule defines the resources or materials to be used to start the scope. Third is time- this measures the project milestone and lifecycle of project completion (Young, 2013). Fourth is quality- this involves the implementation of quality policy in project management in order to produce the desires results. Project directors ensure a high level of quality through setting quality standards. The last characteristic is risk- a plan schedule must identify possible risk which might occur and how the risk will be managed (Young, 2013). In project management, there are scheduling techniques which are used to control project schedules. These techniques are also used in my organization. The first technique is Gantt chart-this technique is used to track and report the progress. Managers use this technique to estimate the duration for project completion and it becomes easy to view the progress and set deadlines (Young, 2013). Other technique is PERT charts-managers use this technique to view the uncertainty and prevent them by setting an affective time to be used. Other technique is the critical path method –this allows managers to add time for project completion (Young, 2013).
From my school experience, a project management situation is based on a real life project of investigating the cultural diversity which was presented by different cultural group in the community. This real life project was supported by information management which helped the team members make wise decision and achieve their goals using the available time and resources (Lester, 2013). Information was managed by creating an information management plan which identified the actions and responsibilities, and maintained control. The plan was a document which involved information requirement, methods of collection, analysis, reporting, technology, internal controls and more. In the project control, the information management plan was an effective method since it provided a program lifecycle where people and tools were involved (Lester, 2013).
EVMS was successfully used by the ‘United State Defense Department’. Managers in this department used EVM in 1967 for programme tracking (Budd & Budd, 2010). Managers were able to predict the future of the project and measure the performance by using an integrated system. The organization was successful in this project since managers were able to measure the performance and progress for the purpose of improving the process, setting responsibilities, identifying problems and ensuring quality management levels. Since this period, many organizations use EVMS for project control system and management project performance (Budd & Budd, 2010).
In my organization, leaders are defined by traits like dominance, self-assurance, enthusiasm, commitment, positive attitude, decisiveness, accountability and inspiration (Linzey & Pierce, 2015). The attributes which I believe are important are commitment, accountability and inspiration. Leaders who are committed to work and promises motivate the team members toward increasing performance and producing quality work. Leaders who show accountability ensure that things are moving smoothly through identifying problems, solving and setting policies and procedures (Linzey & Pierce, 2015). Finally, leaders who are inspiring motivate the team members to set clear goals, increase morale and work hard to achieve the vision and mission.
Reference
Budd, C. I., & Budd, C. S. (2010). A practical guide to earned value project management.
Vienna, VA: Management Concepts.
Lester, A. (2013). Project Management, Planning and Control. Elsevier Science.
Young, T. L. (2013). Successful project management. Kogan Page Publishers.
Linzey, J. F., & Pierce, D. (2015). Moral leadership: The 9 leadership traits. Wipf and Stock
Publishers.
